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Auburn is gearing up for a transformative 6-9 month journey with a strategic plan that promises community engagement, accountability, and actionable results!

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnStrategicPlanning #AccountabilityStructures #ImplementationPlanning
EDC outlines consultant-led strategic-plan process and steering-committee role as town begins procurement
Committee heard a proposed 6–9 month consultant-led strategic plan with a steering committee of EDC members, staff and community members; staff will scope an RFP, aim for regular milestones and an implementation accountability structure.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 11:02 AM
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A groundbreaking new water treatment facility in Auburn aims to tackle PFAS contamination head-on, but crucial planning hurdles lie ahead.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety #AuburnWaterDistrict #PublicHealth #WaterQuality
Planning board hears detailed plan for Church Street PFAS treatment plant, continues hearing to Nov. 10
Engineers and Auburn Water District representatives presented a proposed 3,950 sq ft Church Street water treatment building to house granular activated carbon (GAC) filters for PFAS removal; the board continued the public hearing to Nov. 10 after a peer-review/stormwater paperwork discussion.
citizenportal.ai
November 3, 2026 at 11:27 AM
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Auburn's Planning Board is considering a crucial water-treatment facility designed to tackle PFAS contamination, but questions about visibility and stormwater management linger.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnWater #WaterSafety #PollutionRemediation
Auburn planning board continues hearing on proposed PFAS water‑treatment building at Church Street wells
Engineers told the Auburn Planning Board the 3,950 sq ft building would route water from three Church Street wells through granular activated carbon filters to remove PFAS; the board continued the site‑plan hearing to Nov. 10 after late peer‑review comments focusing on stormwater were delivered to staff.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 9:57 PM
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Auburn is set to transform its landscape with a $390,000 state grant for a 1.6-mile shared-use path, connecting the community to Auburn Middle School!

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #ActiveTransportation #AuburnSharedPath #CommunityDevelopment #PublicEngagement
State grants Auburn $390,000 to design a 1.6-mile shared-use path linking town line to middle school
The Town of Auburn received a $390,000 state grant to fund design and permitting for a roughly 1.6-mile shared-use path along a National Grid corridor to the Auburn Middle School; staff said design work and public engagement will start early next year following state contracting.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 8:30 AM
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Pinrock pump station is getting a much-needed upgrade with FEMA funding for a new generator and critical decisions ahead for odor control that could impact local residents.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnInfrastructure #CommunityResilience #PublicSafety
Pinrock pump station repair and odor-control options advance; FEMA grant to cover generator replacement design
Staff said a FEMA hazard-mitigation grant will fund engineering and replacement for Pinrock pump-station generator; a consultant study (CDM Smith) recommended either a full biofilter rehab (~$200,000) or installing an activated-carbon system (~$424,000) and staff may seek funding at spring town meeting.
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2026 at 4:49 PM
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Auburn has just approved $75,000 to revamp its economic development strategy, along with significant zoning changes and a three-year moratorium on data centers—what's next for the town?

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #AuburnEconomicDevelopment
Town meeting approves $75,000 for economic-development plan update; inclusionary zoning, mall-height changes and three-year data-center moratorium passed
At its Oct. 28 meeting the Auburn Economic Development Committee heard that town meeting approved $75,000 to update the economic development strategic plan and also passed an inclusionary zoning bylaw, a regional mall overlay height amendment and a three-year moratorium on data-center development.
citizenportal.ai
October 31, 2026 at 7:12 AM
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Auburn schools are facing a pivotal moment as statewide proficiency declines, but leaders are rolling out targeted strategies to turn the tide on literacy and attendance.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AccountabilityReform #LiteracyImprovement #AuburnEducation
Auburn leadership lays out 2026 MCAS results and next steps
Assistant Superintendent Keller told the committee that district schools remain 'not requiring assistance' but statewide proficiency fell and the district faces literacy and high‑school proficiency declines; leaders outlined targeted interventions on attendance, diagnostics, literacy and small‑group instruction.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 5:16 PM
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Auburn's latest MCAS report reveals troubling state trends in student proficiency while highlighting strengths in English learner success and advanced coursework participation—what does this mean for our future?

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform
Assistant Superintendent Keller outlines district MCAS decline and next steps
Assistant Superintendent Keller presented Auburn's 2026 MCAS and accountability findings: statewide drops in proficiency and local mixed results, with strengths in science and advanced coursework but concerns about high-school ELA and item-analysis gaps. District leaders proposed interventions, attendance outreach, and curriculum alignment to raise proficiency.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 5:17 PM
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Auburn is just a stone's throw away from reaching a crucial 10% affordable housing threshold, with a new bylaw paving the way for a brighter future!

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #HousingInclusion #AuburnAffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningReform
Auburn approves inclusionary zoning amendment to help reach 10% affordable-housing threshold
Town meeting adopted an amended inclusionary zoning bylaw intended to help the town reach a 10% affordable housing threshold and reduce vulnerability to Chapter 40B projects; town staff said Auburn is at 9.92% and needs roughly seven additional units to reach 10%.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 5:21 PM
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A heated discussion unfolded as Auburn's Finance Committee weighs a $75,000 citizen petition for a forensic review of school funds, with potential implications in the millions at stake.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #FinancialTransparency #AccountabilityReview
Auburn finance committee takes no official position on Article 23 petition for limited forensic review of student-activity funds
A citizen petition asking for up to $75,000 to fund a limited forensic review of Auburn school student-activity (fiduciary) accounts drew questions about scope, cost and past recordkeeping. The finance committee heard the petitioner and the school business manager and moved to take no position on the town-meeting warrant article.
citizenportal.ai
October 28, 2026 at 3:59 AM
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A citizen petition in Auburn is sparking a heated debate over the controversial Flock surveillance system, with calls for a ban citing privacy concerns and its questionable effectiveness.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #DataPrivacy #SurveillanceEthics #AuburnPrivacy
Citizen petition urges ban on 'Flock' vehicle‑fingerprinting system; police say contract was canceled
Vera Corrine argued the Flock system creates a vehicle 'fingerprint' and amounts to mass surveillance; Police Chief Scott Mills said the contract was canceled before town funds were spent and that limited operational results were obtained during the brief trial.
citizenportal.ai
October 21, 2026 at 5:48 AM
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Auburn's town officials reveal that the budget increase due to $14 million borrowed for a new fire station won't directly raise property taxes, but residents might see a small impact on their annual bills.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance
Auburn officials say Article 2 increases reflect $14 million fire-station borrowing and operational costs
Town Manager Dori Vecchio and CFO Karen Harnois told town meeting members the requested increases in Article 2 mainly reflect interest on a $14 million fire-station borrowing and line-itemizing expenses once handled via contingency; officials said revenue sources and other offsets should limit direct property-tax impact.
citizenportal.ai
October 21, 2026 at 5:56 AM
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Auburn's Zoning Board just greenlit a state-of-the-art PFAS water treatment facility aimed at tackling contamination in local wells—what does this mean for the community's water quality?

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnWater #EnvironmentalProtection
Auburn board unanimously approves Church Street PFAS treatment plant; members and engineers outline operations and disposal plans
The ZBA approved a 3,950 sq ft PFAS treatment facility at 76 Church Street for the Auburn Water District, granting a parking variance and two special permits (impervious surface and floodplain construction). Engineers described carbon filtration, chemical storage, backwash handling, and off-site disposal of spent media; construction is expected to start summer 2027.
citizenportal.ai
October 21, 2026 at 11:57 PM
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The Auburn Select Board is at a crossroads, debating whether to borrow $1.4 million for vital culvert repairs or tap into existing reserves instead.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #InfrastructureDevelopment #FiscalResponsibility #AuburnCulvert
Select Board opposes borrowing for $1.4M Water Street culvert as written; urges stabilization amendment
Board reviewed a $1.4 million Water Street culvert replacement article, debated borrowing versus using free cash or stabilization, and voted 3–2 to oppose borrowing as written while saying it would support the project if funded from stabilization.
citizenportal.ai
October 20, 2026 at 5:19 PM
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A heated debate erupted as the select board voted against a citizen petition to terminate the controversial Flock Safety license-plate reader contract, sparking concerns over surveillance and privacy.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnCitizens #PublicSafety
Select Board declines to recommend citizen petition to terminate Flock Safety ALPR contract
A citizen petition sought to terminate the town's automated license-plate reader (ALPR) contract with Flock Safety and remove surveillance equipment. The board discussed technical and jurisdictional issues and voted not to recommend the article.
citizenportal.ai
October 20, 2026 at 5:10 PM
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Auburn High School's much-needed multipurpose field project is on the table, but board members are divided over funding sources and a $150,000 shortfall!

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #AuburnSchools #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety
Board recommends warrant articles to fund Auburn High multipurpose field, but members debate reallocations and remaining shortfall
The Select Board recommended Articles 3, 4 and 6 to fund a replacement all-purpose field at Auburn High School but heard concerns from members about reallocating capital funds and acknowledged the project remains roughly $150,000 short of anticipated costs.
citizenportal.ai
October 17, 2026 at 8:25 PM
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Auburn board members are demanding clarity on the safety measures and disposal processes for the controversial PFAS treatment facility, raising critical questions about chemical storage and environmental impact.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnWater
Board presses Auburn Water District on filter disposal, chemical storage for PFAS plant
During the Church Street hearing, board members sought specifics about on-site chemicals, bulk storage and how 'spent' carbon filter media and backwash water will be handled; engineers said media will be taken to MassDEP-approved disposal sites and bulk KOH triggers sprinkler requirements.
citizenportal.ai
October 17, 2026 at 5:19 PM
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Auburn is taking a significant step towards cleaner water by approving a PFAS treatment facility that will tackle contamination in local wells exceeding EPA standards.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety #AuburnWater #PublicHealth #WaterTreatment
Auburn board approves Church Street PFAS treatment plant, requires permits and conditions
The Auburn Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved three permits for a new 3,950 sq ft PFAS water-treatment facility at 76 Church Street, clearing a parking variance and special permits for impervious surface and floodplain construction. Presenters said the plant is needed because local wells exceed EPA limits for PFOA/PFOS.
citizenportal.ai
October 17, 2026 at 5:12 PM
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The Select Board is torn over a $1.4 million decision for the Water Street culvert replacement, weighing the risks of borrowing against using available funds.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #InfrastructureInvestment #AuburnWaterProjects
Select Board opposes borrowing as written for $1.4M Water Street culvert project; asks for stabilization funding option
Board debated whether to borrow $1.4 million for a Water Street culvert replacement or use free cash/stabilization. Finance staff gave illustrative borrowing rates (20-year ~4.75%, 30-year ~5.25%); the board voted not to recommend the article as written (borrowing) but signaled support if the funding source were changed to stabilization.
citizenportal.ai
October 16, 2026 at 7:43 PM
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The debate over a citizen petition to terminate the Flock Safety surveillance contract has split the Select Board, raising questions about privacy and the future of automated license-plate readers in Auburn.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnCitizens #PublicSafety
Select Board votes not to recommend citizen petition on automated license‑plate readers (Flock Safety contract)
The Select Board voted not to recommend a citizen petition that asks the town to terminate its Flock Safety contract and remove surveillance equipment; members were split over whether the petition in effect addresses an activity or targets a specific company and whether town meeting can issue a nonbinding request.
citizenportal.ai
October 16, 2026 at 1:15 AM
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Auburn Water District is taking a bold step to ensure safe drinking water by proposing a state-of-the-art facility to eliminate harmful PFAS chemicals from local wells.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnWater #WaterSafety #PublicInfrastructure #EnvironmentalHealth
Auburn Water District seeks PFAS treatment at Church Street wells; commission to continue review and inspect site
Engineers for the Auburn Water District presented plans for a ~3,950-sq-ft PFAS treatment building at the Church Street wells to house GAC filters and associated backwash and stormwater systems; commissioners continued the hearing to Oct. 28 and requested a site visit and details on maintenance and DEP processes.
citizenportal.ai
October 16, 2026 at 12:47 AM
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Calls for a forensic audit are growing louder as residents demand accountability over school funds and potential violations of financial statutes.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #FinancialTransparency #AuburnSchools #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability
Resident urges Select Board to refer DLS audit concerns to DA; petition seeks forensic review of school funds
Public commenters and a citizens' article pressed the board to act on the Department of Local Services (DLS) financial-management report; one resident urged mandatory referral under Chapter 44 and a petition (Article 23) proposed up to $75,000 for a forensic audit of school activity funds.
citizenportal.ai
October 9, 2026 at 6:35 AM
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The Auburn Board of Health has taken a stand by imposing a hefty fine on a local newsstand for repeated tobacco violations and declaring a dog a nuisance with strict new restrictions.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #AuburnBoardOfHealth #PublicHealth
Votes at a glance: Board upholds a tobacco fine and deems ‘Raja’ a nuisance dog
At its Sept. 30 meeting the Auburn Board of Health: upheld a $5,000 fine and 30-day tobacco permit suspension for In Style Galaxy Newsstand (4th violation) and declared Raja a nuisance dog with leash and muzzle requirements; both motions passed by roll call.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2026 at 8:43 AM
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Citizens in Auburn are taking a stand against surveillance, demanding the removal of Flock cameras and the destruction of collected data in a bold petition.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #DataPrivacy #PublicSafety #AuburnTownMeeting #CivicAccountability
Citizen petition seeks removal of Flock cameras; board defers and holds article pending full review
A citizen petition asks Town Meeting to terminate Flock contracts, remove cameras from town property, and purge stored data. The Select Board debated jurisdictional limits, noted the contract was invalidated and cameras deactivated, and voted to defer to the petitioner and hold the article until further review.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2026 at 7:08 AM
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The Auburn Board of Health has delivered a hefty $5,000 fine and a 30-day suspension to Galaxy Newsstand for selling banned flavored tobacco products, igniting controversy over the enforcement actions taken.

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#AuburnWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #TobaccoControl
Auburn board upholds $5,000 fine and 30‑day suspension for Galaxy Newsstand over flavored tobacco sale
The Auburn Board of Health found In Style Galaxy Newsstand responsible for a June 12 tobacco‑control violation and unanimously upheld a $5,000 fine and a 30‑day suspension after town inspectors and the Tobacco Control Alliance reported banned flavored products on site.
citizenportal.ai
October 8, 2026 at 5:28 AM